Having a Hard Time Right Now

[JWBear]

My father passed away on Monday evening. He wasn't doing well the last few days before. I had left work that day, and drove up to see him. When I got there, I found that he had died just 10 minutes before I arrived. My Mom and one of my sisters was with him when it happened. He fell asleep in his recliner, and quietly went.

I'm still a mess. Thank goodness I have Bill, he's been my rock to lean on. The service is tomorrow. If I can make it through that, I'll be ok.

Anyway, that's why you haven't seen me on LoT for the past few days.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh my, my deepest condolences for your loss. I'm so sorry you missed the last moments with your dad by such a tantalizingly minor amount of time. I hope you can take some measure of solice in that he was with other loved ones, and passed as peacefully (at least in those final moments) as any of us might ever hope to.

<< hugs hugs hugs>>

[BarTopDancer]

/hugs.

I know I speak for everyone, we're here for you.

[Kevy Baby]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Know that the thoughts of every person on the LoT is with you at this time. If there is anything any of us can do to help, please let us know.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

So sorry to hear of your loss JW.
I offer my condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.

[scaeagles]

I am so sorry to hear that. Here's hoping you are able to recover quickly.

[Prudence]

There's nothing I can say, except that I'm thinking of you, and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Please lean on us when you need strength.

[RStar]

Wow. At least you were there for your family. A few minutes earlier would have been good for you, but your timing was good for your family.

May you find peace and comfort in this very rough time.

~Bob

[MouseWife]

I am so very sorry for your loss and the timing.

I did have to smile at one bit, though.

My father also had his 'recliner'. If only he would have passed peacefully in it.

If your father loved his chair as much as my father did, that would be a nice thing to remember.

Many hugs and many more all along the road to your coming to terms with this. He'll always be in your heart and he is a part of you.

[tracilicious]

I'm so sorry. :(

[Motorboat Cruiser]

My condolences, JWBear. I'm so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts. Please know that you can lean on us if need be.

[Not Afraid]

J, I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him briefly a few months back. He was such a warm and charming man with an engaging smile. He was a delight. I knew in just a few moments that you were lucky to have this man s a part of you life. Treasure those moments and memories as you grieve for your loss. I'm grieving with you.

Many hugs for you and your family.

Lisa

[Morrigoon]

I'm sorry for your loss jwbear. I'm glad your father was able to pass peacefully in his favorite chair though.

[Ghoulish Delight]

So sorry, JW.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I'm sorry.

[Scrooge McSam]

I'm so sorry for your loss, JW.

[wendybeth]

There's nothing I could really add to what has already been said, excepting a big (((hug))) and my best wishes for you and your family. We lost my FIL nine years ago, and it seems like yesterday. I'll be thinking of you, JW- tc.

[JWBear]

Thank you all for your kind words. He was an incredible man, and he leaves a big hole in many people's lives.

[€uroMeinke]

I'm so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family

[sleepyjeff]

I have no words except I am so sorry.

[Gemini Cricket]

My condolences to you and your family, JWBear. Hang in there.

[Betty]

:(

[MickeyLumbo]

Thinking of you today, JWBear.

[Moonliner]

I am sorry for your loss.

[katiesue]

J - so sorry to hear of your loss. I'll be thinking of you and your family today.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Oh, J. My thoughts are with you and your family-- I'm sorry to hear this. I hope you know we're here if you need us.

[Tramspotter]

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l123/sykeller/Angel.jpg

[Disneyphile]

Sending you lots of hugs and loving thoughts to you and your family. May your father have all the peace and happiness he's ever wanted.

[AllyOops!]

Oh, JWBear! :( I'm so very deeply sorry for your loss. You have my prayers, condolences & endless hugs during this most trying time.

You have many shoulders here to lean on. Mine is always available if you ever need it.

Love,
~A

[Capt Jack]

sounds like he went quite peacefully. my deepest sympathies on your loss. thats always a hard one to endure.

[flippyshark]

My condolences and thoughts as well.

[blueerica]

Like everyone else before me, I too am sorry for your loss. My thoughts will be with you and your family.

[Drince88]

I'm so sorry for you loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[JWBear]

I'm back home now. The service was very nice. Afterwards, our family all went to my sister's to hang out for a few hours; talking and reminiscing.

I’m doing much better now.

For anyone who is interested, here is a brief bio of that remarkable man that was my Dad:

Life and times of George Rogers

George was born on December 28, 1922 to Roland and Elisabeth Keithline Rogers in Jenningsville, Pennsylvania. The family moved to Endicott, New York when he was young. He attended Endicott High for two years. George left school to help his family and took a job at the Endicott-Johnson shoe factory. On March 14, 1942 he married Ann M. James in Union Center, NY. Also in 1942 he was hired by IBM as a lathe operator beginning what would be a 40 year career with the company.

On July 26, 1943 George enlisted in the Navy. Assigned to engineering, he attended school in Boston, MA and later awaited deployment to the Pacific in Oakland, CA. George shipped out with the SeaBee’s and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. While in the Navy he attained the rank of Machinist Mate First Class. He returned to Endicott after the war ended and resumed his career with IBM.

In 1951 George moved the family which at that time included three daughters to California. IBM had transferred him to Los Angeles and the family settled in Pasadena. He lived up to the “I’ve been moved” motto of IBM traveling all over Calif. His career also included a short stint at IBM headquarters in White Plans NY. Many promotions later, George finished his career in 1982 as Regional Manager for Customer Service in the small business machine division, heading up an area including all of Southern Calif., Nevada, and Arizona.

Through out the years his favorite past times have been outdoor activities, country music, and motorhoming. He shared his love of the outdoors with youth groups including MYF, Jobe’s Daughters, YMCA Indian Guides, and Boy Scouts. He has been a member of BPOE, Masons, and Rotary. He has been a charter member of two Methodist congregations. George was on staff of the Long Beach Grand Prix for over 13 years. He and Ann began camping years ago in tents. Eventually he moved up to motorhomes and was active in the Family Motor Coach Assoc. He held may positions with FMCA including Calif. Chapter President for three years and National Vice President. George and Ann traveled extensively since his retirement

George is survived by his wife Ann: Daughters Eileen Swingle, Bobbi d’Arc; Sons: Thomas J. Rogers and John W. Rogers, his Sister Dorothy Frear, 13 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren He is proceeded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and his beloved daughter Georgieanna.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Thanks for sharing with us!!

[wendybeth]

Thanks, and again my most heartfelt condolences. It's something we all dread but have to face at one time or another. I don't think just because a parent is elderly that makes their passing any easier- they've been around just that much longer and will be missed that much more. You father sounds like a great guy, and look at what a life he had!

[MickeyLumbo]

what a remarkable and full life he lived. there is no doubt that he will be missed by many. if you need someone to talk with, please let us know.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Thank you for posting that mini-biography of your dad. He sounds like a great guy.

I'm thinking of you and your family. I lost my dad in 1995.

[mousepod]

Condolences from us...
Thanks for sharing the bio - it's good to hear about someone who used his life to really live.

[Strangler Lewis]

My sympathy to you and your family. My dad did some time on Okinawa as well while in the army. If you and your family have not done so, you might want to enter your father into the registry at www.wwIImemorial.com. It's a nice tribute to a time we should not forget.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I'm very, very sorry for your loss.

[JWBear]

My sympathy to you and your family. My dad did some time on Okinawa as well while in the army. If you and your family have not done so, you might want to enter your father into the registry at www.wwIImemorial.com. It's a nice tribute to a time we should not forget.
Thanks, my brother has already submitted his name.

[Jughead P. Jones]

I am sorry to hear of your loss.

My condolences to you and your loved ones during this time.

[Snowflake]

Thanks so much for sharing your Dad's bio. What a wonderful life and legacy of memories he has left you. Out of sight, but not out of sight of your hearts and minds. Take care.